Mass., local police vow crackdown on welfare fraud

Partnership will close 'enforcement gap' in welfare system

State officials and local police chiefs are promising to work together to clamp down on abuse of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards used by welfare recipients.

Secretary of Health and Human Services John Polanowicz said Thursday the state will share data with police to identify and take action against retailers selling liquor or other items prohibited for purchase with the cards.

Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes said the partnership between police and the Department of Transitional Assistance will help to address an "enforcement gap" in welfare fraud.

Investigations by the state inspector general and others have pointed to possibly millions of dollars in fraud.

House lawmakers have proposed requiring photo IDs for the electronic cards, but Polanowicz said Thursday that would not be cost effective.

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